WEST NILE VIRUS ACTIVITY INCREASES AS MORE MOSQUITO SAMPLES TEST POSITIVE –Elk Grove is an area of concern

Elk Grove, Ca — The Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito & Vector Control District announced today that West Nile virus activity is increasing throughout Sacramento County as 31 mosquito samples tested positive today. Many of the positive mosquito samples were collected from parks and neighborhoods within Elk Grove and the City of Sacramento. “We are keeping a very close eye on Elk Grove as it is a growing area of concern,” said Gary Goodman, District Manager. “For the last couple of weeks, mosquitoes collected from different areas throughout Elk Grove have tested positive and lab results obtained today show that activity is certainly intensifying. Additional results will be available next week to determine the best plan of action,” added Goodman. West Nile virus activity has also been detected in Yolo County as one mosquito sample from Davis also tested positive. For a map of the most recent activity see https://www.fightthebite.net/west-nile-virus-activity

In response to the recent findings, the District will continue to monitor all West Nile virus activity through widespread mosquito trapping and testing as well as ground treatments around areas where positive mosquitoes have been found to quickly decrease populations and protect public health.

Increased activity throughout Sacramento and Yolo counties comes during a time when the entire state is also seeing a rise in West Nile virus. To date, 9 human cases have been confirmed from 6 different counties in comparison to 3 people at this same time last year.

For current information about any treatments planned, please visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net. Residents may also subscribe to receive email notifications for mosquito treatments by zip code. To sign up go to Spray Notifications on the website.

To report stagnant water sources, request a home inspection or if you are being bothered by mosquitoes, please call 1-800-429-1022 or fill out a service request online at www.FIGHTtheBITE.net

Practice the District D’s of Mosquito Prevention:DRAIN standing water that may produce mosquitoes. DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid being outdoors. DRESS appropriately be wearing long sleeves and pants when outside. DEFEND yourself by using an effective insect repellent. Make sure to follow label directions! DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition.DISTRICT personnel are also available to address any mosquito problems. Call them at 1-800-429-1022 or visit www.FIGHTtheBITE.net